Updrafts,(MM | TWW | BotW)[1][2][3] also known as Gust Geysers,(PH)[4] are a recurring mechanic in The Legend of Zelda series. Updrafts go unnamed in Skyward Sword.
Location and Uses[]
Updrafts are gusts of wind that push upward, often carrying whatever enters the column of wind with them.
Majora's Mask[]
Updrafts can be found in the Stone Tower Temple in Majora's Mask. They can be used by Deku Link to increase his altitude while gliding through the air. Deku Link can jump straight into a whirlwind to start flying without the use of a Deku Flower.
The Wind Waker[]
Updrafts appear in the Wind Temple and the Official Rito Tribe Bird-Man Contest in The Wind Waker. Link can use them to gain altitude while gliding with the Deku Leaf.
Although Updrafts are mostly used as a boost while gliding, they can also be found as obstacles, such as in the Wind Temple, where various "updrafts" blowing downward will block Link's path until deactivated. Updrafts can also blow Link away unless he wears the Iron Boots, which must be worn to walk through the wind currents.
Other Updrafts can be found in the Great Sea. They are able to move in certain directions and various speeds, similar to a real-life waterspout, and essentially function as miniature Cyclones. While sailing in the King of Red Lions, these updrafts can catch Link and dramatically change his direction.
The Minish Cap[]
Updrafts are small vortexes found throughout Hyrule in The Minish Cap. Link can jump into them by using the Roc's Cape or by jumping off a ledge. When jumping into one, Link will hold onto Ezlo like a parachute, letting him glide through the air.
Though they function as a Tornado, the Crimson Cyclones in the Cloud Tops have the appearance of red Updrafts.
Phantom Hourglass[]
Gust Geysers are found on Islands throughout the World of the Ocean King, such as on the Isle of Gust, either buried under soil or appearing naturally on the ground. When Link enters a Gust Geyser's column, he will be propelled upwards to a nearby ledge.[4] If Gust Geysers are covered by soil, Link must uncover them with the Shovel in order to use them.[4] Alternatively, Link may purposefully cover Gust Geysers with the Shovel to access areas otherwise blocked by their columns of wind. Some Updrafts are activated via Switches.[4]
Link can throw Bombs into Gust Geysers, to make them explode at higher elevations and blast obstacles which obstruct ledges.[4] This tactic is necessary to defeat Cyclok, the boss of the Temple of Wind.
Skyward Sword[]
Updrafts appear throughout The Surface in Skyward Sword, such as in the Sealed Grounds.[5] By using the Sailcloth in tandem with these air vents, Link can ascend cliffs and ledges. Much like in Phantom Hourglass, these vents of air may be trapped underground. Link can uncover these by using either the Digging Mitts or the Mogma Mitts.
Breath of the Wild[]
Updrafts can be caused by a variety of sources in Breath of the Wild. Updrafts can occur when fire catches on grass or Spicy Peppers, generating lift that Link can use in tandem with his Paraglider to soar into the sky.[3] Dragons also naturally generate Updrafts when they fly through the sky, allowing Link to match their vertical position. Updrafts created by Dragons also fully regenerate Link's Stamina Wheel whenever he draws his Paraglider while in them. Some Updrafts occur via natural vents in the ground, allowing Link to scale heights with ease.
The Updrafts in the Flight Range are used for training by Rito warriors.[6] Except for during the "EX Champion Revali's Song" Main Quest, the Flight Range's Updrafts will always regenerate Link's Stamina.
Nomenclature[]
 Names in other regions  | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 | Japanese | 竜巻 (Tatsumaki)[7] | Whirlwind |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | |||
Gallery[]
An Updraft from Majora's Mask
An Updraft from The Wind Waker
Link riding an Updraft from The Minish Cap
See Also[]
References
- ↑ "Ride the Updraft" — Vision (Majora's Mask 3D)
- ↑ "In order to get up to such a high place, you'll have to catch the swirling updraft." — Korok (The Wind Waker HD)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Updrafts
When fire spreads, it creates an updraft. You can use the paraglider to catch that updraft and ride it high into the sky." — Tips and Tricks (Breath of the Wild) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass — Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 15
- ↑ "I recommend using the air vents to move ahead of the monster instead of chasing it from behind." — Fi (Skyward Sword)
- ↑ "We Rito warriors use the updraft in this ravine to hone our aerial archery skills." — Teba (Breath of the Wild)
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Shogakukan) pg. 34